Can you change the water pump without changing the timing chain?
Yes you can replace the water pump without replacing the serpentine belt. If the belt is worn, and it breaks while you are driving, you can damage a lot of other components in that area. Since you are likely going to have to purchase a new pump, we do recommend that you purchase a belt at the same time.
When Should timing belt and water pump be replaced?
Recommendations span from 40,000 to 100,000 miles (depending on make and model), we highly suggest replacing your timing belt and water pump, at minimum, every 5 years.
When is the best time to replace a water pump?
If it is cheaper to replace the water pump the same time you are changing the timing belt, you should do it right then and there. If you can change the water pump without too much additional labor, you can do it later. But wait! There is more to consider.
How much does it cost to replace a Honda water pump?
Many Honda owners, however, opt to replace the water pump together with the timing belt because if the water pump fails later it will cost the same labor to replace. Plus, a water pump is not a very expensive part ($45-$170).
How much does it cost to replace a Mini Cooper water pump?
However, if you have a replacement that will require more labor, it likely cost you more. For example, if you own an Audi, a Mini Cooper, a Honda Odyssey, or an Acura TL, (just to name a few) where it will cost more that $400 in labor to go back in and do the water pump replacement, you might not want to gamble.
What happens when the timing belt of a water pump breaks?
In an interference engine the valve opens further into the combustion chamber than a non-interference engine. So, if the timing belt breaks due to the water pump or some other component failure, both the piston and the valve it strikes can and will be damaged.